Mary Lou Kownacki Risen Obituary (1958 - 2014)

Mary Lou Kownacki Risen, 55, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Normal, passed away at 10:41 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at Shawnee Mission Medical Center after a short illness with her family at her side.A memorial mass celebrating Mary Lous life will take place at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 16, at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal, with Monsignor Eric Powell officiating. Visitation will take place at the church one hour before mass. A private family burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal, IL.In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in memory of Mary Lou Kownacki Risen to Catholic Charities of NE Kansas, 9720 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212, Epiphany Church, 1006 E. College Ave., Normal, IL 61761 or a charity of choice.Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington is in charge of arrangements.Mary Lou was born on Oct. 24, 1958, at U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Polk, La., the daughter of Jerry and Margaret (Peggy) Kownacki. She married Brian Risen on October 11, 1980 in Normal.Mary Lou is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Kathryn Risen and their expected first child. Other survivors are her parents of Normal; her brother Thomas of El Paso, IL; sisters Karen (Michael) Windham of Defiance, MO; and Denise (Mark) Roberts of Cedar Rapids, IA; nieces: Evan and Claire Windham; and nephews, Will and Atticus Roberts; her aunt, Maureen (Joseph) Murray; and her sons father and mother-law, James and Patricia Van Hoecke.Mary Lou attended Epiphany Grade School, Normal Community High School and received her degree from Illinois State University in 1980. She was a Special Education Para Educator in the Blue Valley School District. Mary Lou was a caring person who touched many lives. Her smile, sweet nature and sense of humor were endearing. Her faith in God, her son and family were her priority. May she rest in the peace of Our Lord.Additional condolences may be viewed at www.muehlebachchapel.comrn